GMLRC Ecological Searches

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Ecological Searches

Greater Manchester Local Records Centre are part of GM Ecology Unit, hosted by Tameside MBC.
GMLRC hold several datasets of ecological information that may be requested, including:

The Register of Greater Manchester's Sites of Biological Importance (SBIs), also known as Local Wildlife Sites
Local Nature Reserves (LNRs)
Protected Species information e.g. Badgers, Bats, Great Crested Newts, Schedule 1 Breeding Birds and Water Voles etc.
UK Priority and BAP Species information e.g. Common Toad, Cuckoo, Lapwing and Hedgehog etc.

Our data searches include the South Lancashire Bat Group's (SLBG) data and the Greater Manchester Bird Recording Group's (GMBRG) data by default.

How do I request a search?

Download our search request form using the button below, complete it and then email it to info@gmwildlife.org.uk. Please include GIS files for your search area if available. We accept TAB, SHP, KML or GeoJSON format. We aim to provide you with a quotation within 2 working days and to fulfil all search requests within 2 working weeks. Please read all of the notes on the form carefully before submitting your request.

How much does a data search cost?

A charge is likely to be levied for any data search undertaken to cover Records Centre administrative costs, and fees passed on to support data providers.
We can make exceptions for academic data searches or voluntary projects under certain data supply restrictions, and do not charge landowners or occupiers for SBI information relating to their land. Our current standard (guideline) search fees are as follows:

£175+VAT for a standard 1km buffer data search, or £225+VAT for a 2km buffer
To include Local site & Species summary PDF maps, and tabular (Excel or GIS) records data
Optional £50 discount to receive species data in Excel or GIS only, without species maps (£25+VAT off for bats-only)
SBI citation sheets are included, where connected/adjacent to the central site (others cost £30 per SBI)

However we assess each request on a case by case basis - using a guideline of £125 for the first hour of work, and £50 for each subsequent hour.
Large searches with many results sometimes cost notably more, whilst those returning few records or straddling the county boundary may cost less. Indivdual taxon (e.g. bats) and bespoke searches are also available. For cross-boundary searches we recommend approaching our neighbouring LERCs too. Our online MapApp shows the relevant Planning district and LERC for any North West location. LERC contact details can be found via the ALERC website.

Invoices will be raised via Tameside MBC, our Local Authority hosts, and emailed or posted - usually a few weeks after results have been provided.
Account details and other payment information can be found at Tameside Payments.

Greater Manchester Ecology Unit,
Dukinfield Town Hall,
King Street,
Dukinfield,
SK16 4LA

0161 342 3123
info@gmwildlife.org.uk

An ALERC member

© GMLRC 2025. View our privacy policy and terms of use or update your mailing preferences. The information on this website has been provided as general information only and the Greater Manchester Ecology Unit can not accept responsibility for loss occasioned after reliance placed on any of the contents of this website. The Greater Manchester Ecology Unit makes no warranty as to the accuracy of site information or contents.